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BgBulgaria Visas
& Permits.

Population

6,447,710

Languages

1.

Bulgarian

Country Capital

Sofia

Currency

Lev (BGN)

A stable economy, low cost of living, and numerous employment opportunities make Bulgaria a popular destination for expatriates. If your company is planning to expand or outsource operations in Bulgaria, you’ll need to ensure that all of your employees have the necessary permits and visas to work there legally.

Types of Work Visas in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a variety of visas available for foreign nationals seeking entry into the country. As a member of the European Union (EU), Bulgaria allows citizens of other EU member states to work without a visa or permit.

For other foreign nationals, Bulgarian visas include:

  • Type A visas for airport transit
  • Type C visas for short stays
  • Type D visas for long stays

To obtain a Bulgarian work permit, foreign workers will need Type D visas.

If any of your company’s employees need to travel to Bulgaria for a short time for a business trip or conference, they’ll most likely need a Type C visa to do so.

Requirements to Obtain Bulgaria Work Visas

The Bulgarian employer is responsible for submitting the work permit application on behalf of foreign employees. However, the employee will need to provide some of the documents required along with the application. Required documents include:

  • Three passport photos of the applicant
  • A copy of the employee’s passport
  • A document stating the reason for requesting the work permit
  • A copy of the employer’s certificate of incorporation in Bulgaria
  • The employment contract
  • Documents proving the employee’s qualifications, such as a diploma, relevant certifications, and evidence of previous work experience
  • Any additional documents relevant to the job position
  • A completed work permit application form

The employee will also require a long-stay visa. To obtain one, they’ll need to produce the following documents:

  • A copy of the first page of their passport
  • A passport photo in color
  • Proof of the reason for travel, such as the work permit
  • Proof of medical insurance
  • Evidence of sufficient financial means
  • Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria, such as a lease agreement
  • A police background check

Application Process

It can be difficult to obtain a Bulgarian work permit because the country is highly selective when it comes to immigration. Employers must apply for the permit on behalf of foreign workers, and they have to prove to the National Employment Agency that the position cannot be filled by any job-seeking Bulgarian nationals.

Once all the necessary documents are prepared, the employer should submit the application to the Employment Service Directorate within the National Employment Agency. Within three business days, the agency will verify the documents and forward them to the executive director of the agency. The director has one month to make the final decision regarding the issuance of the work permit.

Once the permit is issued, the employer must register the employee with the local Employment Office in Bulgaria.

A Bulgarian work permit is valid for up to one year, after which it can be renewed as long as the conditions of employment have not changed.

After obtaining a work permit, the employee will need to apply for a Type D visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their country. In addition to the required documents stated in the previous section, applicants must attend a personal interview when applying for a Type D visa. Upon the issuance of the long-stay visa and work permit, the employee may travel to Bulgaria and begin working.

Other Important Considerations

The Bulgarian government does not issue open work permits to foreign nationals. Before obtaining a work permit, it’s essential for workers to secure a job with a company based in Bulgaria.

If your company is not incorporated in Bulgaria, you can meet this requirement by using another company as the Employer of Record.

Learn More About G-P

Need to onboard international employees right now? We can help with your global hiring needs. Contact us and request a proposal.

At this moment, G-P does not offer support processing work visas or permits in this particular location.
For any other inquiries about our global employment platform, contact us today.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). G-P does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect G-P’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. G-P makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

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